What does the Bible say about Perseverance?

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What does the Bible say about Perseverance of the Saints? 

 The Bibles says that every true believer will persevere until the end (Ephesians 4:30b), when Christ returns (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10). The Bible tells us that Jesus is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25), because He has “perfected forever” those who are being sanctified, by laying down His life for us (Hebrews 10:14). It was God who began the good work in our lives (Philippians 1:6), God who is continuing the work through our lives (Philippians 2:13), and God that will complete the good work in our lives, at the second coming of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6; 3:20-21). Jesus proclaimed that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us (Matthew 28:20), and that no one can take us away from Him (John 10:27-29).

Paul was persuaded that Jesus would be able to keep him secure until the end (2 Timothy 1:12). Peter was also persuaded of this biblical truth when he wrote that our "inheritance" from God was "incorruptible... and does not fade away... reserved in heaven" for us, and "kept by the power of God through faith for salvation" (1 Peter 1:-3-5). The beloved disciple John was also persuaded of this when he wrote, "this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:4-5).

There are those who have a difficult time accepting the "Once Saved Always Saved" doctrine, due to the fact that there are multitudes of professing believers who say a prayer to invite Jesus into their hearts, but never express any desire to get to know Jesus, or follow Him. In fact their relationship with Jesus and growth in Jesus never makes it any further than saying "the sinners prayer". This can be problematic of course, due to the fact that simply saying a prayer asking God for forgiveness, but not moving forward in faith with Jesus as Lord of one's life, is simply an unbiblical idea. Therefore, I would like to add a new description to the "Once Saved, Always Saved" way of thinking, so that we can exclude that type of individual from our discussion, and understand who the Bible is referring to when discussing eternal security.

What eternal security or perseverance is not. It is not simply saying a prayer to invite Jesus into our hearts, and checking a box off as if that is what makes us right with God. That is not anywhere near accurate to what the Bible says being born again is about. There has to be fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), and spiritual growth in one's life (Hebrews 5:12-14). If there is not fruit or growth, we must take an honest look at our relationship with Jesus, by "examining ourselves to make sure we are in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Please refer to the following articles on what saving faith looks like: Christian Growth, Christian Victory, Salvation, Priesthood of Believers, and Spiritual Gifts.

When talking about the perseverance of the saints, or eternal security we are talking about men and women who place their faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), and wholeheartedly follow Him (Romans 12:1-2). We will never be perfect when following Him (until our day of redemption), but we will be growing closer to Him, and become more like Him in our words and actions. And so, in simplest terms I believe the doctrine of perseverance of the saints could be described like this; "Once Saved, Always Saved, IF you are TRULY Saved."
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